Product Troubleshooting

Sonic Alert Trouble Shooting Guide:
Tips and suggestions to assist you with your Sonic Alert Products.

o DS700 Doorbell Signaler
o Channel Change
o Capacitor
o Back-up Power Unit
o Sonic Boom Alarm clock
o Wireless Doorbell Signalers
o Repairs
o Shipping Address for Repairs
o Channel change (.pdf)


DS700 Doorbell Signaler Q & A:

Problem: My DS700 run's continuously it will not turn off.

" Try plugging the DS700 in without the wires connected, does it still click or flash without the wire connected? If no the problem is in the wiring somewhere. Try the following tips.

" Check terminals on the back of unit, make sure there isn't any wire or strands touching one another.

" Check wires at doorbell chime if installing to doorbell chime make sure these wires are not touching each other's terminals, look closely sometimes a piece of a wire will break off.

" Make sure the length of the wire is not longer than 20' or the length of the wire that is provided.

" Inspection of wire. Determine if there any spots where the wire may be crimped exposed smashed maybe in a doorjamb. It's important that these 2 wires do not touch; if they do they will trigger false signals.

" Are you using a lighted doorbell button, if yes change it with the one we have provided. Voltage is still running to light the button but not enough to ring the bell, this voltage is enough to trigger out unit.

" Check wires at doorbell button make sure they are not touching.

" If no wires are touching, try plugging the DS700 into an extension cord then plug extension cord into outlet. This is to test for reversed polarity; It's possible your outlet is wired backwards. If the DS700 works you need to have the wiring in this outlet reversed.

" If it now works then your wiring is backwards at that outlet. You will
need to have an electrician switch the wiring around.

" Is there anything else plugged into the same outlet with the DS700? If yes try unplugging the other line.

" If unit is still not working contact us at the repair number below to trouble shoot this problem further. It's possible you may need a channel change.

Other Problem's, DS 700:

Question: Does the clicking eventually stop or does it come and go?

" If this were the case we would change the channel on all your Sonic Alert devices so that they would operate at a different channel.

" We do have problems with static charges these charges are triggered from appliances like microwaves computers washers dryers etc. they send a similar signal as the doorbell signal through the wiring. Have you recently plugged in something new like a microwave television, computer some new appliance that would draw a lot of power and switch on and off. Its possible we may need to do a channel change, your lines may be giving off static charges that are interfering with the operation of the DS700. This can sometimes be corrected with a channel change. If this problem continues you may want to consider this option. All your Sonic Alert products would need the channel changed; the cost is $5.00 for each unit. (See channel changes below)

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Channel Change:

Problem: Receivers flash at random times, false flashing.

" Sounds like you've exhausted everything. The problem is static interference in your lines caused by another electrical item. This can usually be corrected by changing the channel within your units. This will change the frequency, in which your units operate, by changing the frequency to another the false signals your units are picking up will not detected. In most cases this change is effective but not guaranteed.

" To make this change you will need to send all your units that say Sonic Alert to us, this is important because all Sonic Alert units need to be set to the same channel in order to work together. Think of this as a 2-way radio, to work they both need to be on the same channel.

" The cost for a channel change is $5.00 per unit plus $7.00 shipping. Sent to the repair address below. This change will take 3-5 business days plus 3-4 days for return UPS shipping.

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Capacitor:

Problem: Signalers are not working or work sometimes.

Question: My receivers aren't flashing all the time, or only flash sometimes, the signal seems weak.

" Answer: The fix for this problem is a capacitor, this needs to be installed in your circuit box and should be installed by an electrician. A capacitor keeps our signal from going out to the transformer and all the way back to the house. The signal can become weak if it has to make that journey. Please have your electrician call us if they need help. Also capacitors are available from us at no charge.

See Diagram: Capacitor illustration
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Power Units (Backup Units);

Question: I'm using a power backup unit & my signalers stopped working is my backup causing the problem?

" Answer: Your backup is causing the problem. The power in your lines operate at 60 Hertz, our unit works at 195,000 Hertz. Your backup has a suppressor in it; this suppressor is filtering out our signal. The problem will affect outlets close to the backup unit. It is possible the use of an isolation transformer could correct the problem. These can be purchased at electrical supply outlets. You simply plug the backup into the transformer & plug the transformer into the outlet.

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Sonic Boom Alarm Clocks (SB1000SS & SB1000):

Problem: Alarm keeps going off how do I turn off over the weekend?

" Move the switch on the right hand side labeled outlets to the off position. When you want the activate alarm again move this switch back to the desired position.

Problem: Alarm doesn't work.
" Check outlets switch for proper setting.


Problem: My clock doesn't receive signals from the doorbell, telephone or sound signalers.
" Check switch on bottom of clock make sure it's in the on position.

Problem: My Lamp doesn't flash.
" Check outlets switch set on lamp or both position.
" Check switch on lamp is it in the on position.
" Check bulb.

Problem: Vibrator doesn't work.
" Check outlets switch set on vib or both position.
" Check plug on back of clock.

Problem: Only lamp flashes vibrator doesn't work.
" Check outlets switch set on vib or both position.

Question: How long does snooze button go for
" Answer: 9-10 minutes, each time you hit snooze it will reset the alarm for another 9-10 minutes.

Problem: Clock alarm goes off at random times when there is no alarm set
" On the bottom is a switch that says receiver, put it in the off position. Your SB1000 clock has a built in receiver designed to work with other Sonic Alert products. If you are not using our doorbell, telephone or baby cry signalers the solution will not work for you. If you do use our signalers please see the topic for channel change.

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DB 100 & 200 Wireless doorbell and telephone models:

Problem: Doesn't work.
" Distance between transmitter & receiver is too far apart. The distance should not exceed 50', the closer to one another the clearer the reception.
" Check battery in transmitter (smaller box).
" Check dipswitch settings, see diagram or review directions.

Button won't push:
" Loosen screw on back of transmitter unit until button works (smaller box).

Doorbell doesn't make sound:
" Check position of switch on larger box (receiver) right hand side must be in the on position.
" Check dipswitches.

Problem: How do I turn off doorbell sound?
" Check position of switch on larger box (receiver) right hand side must be in the off position.

Diagram of dipswitches:
" See instructions or link for dipswitches.
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Repairs with & without Warranty:

Your Sonic Alert product came with a 1 or 5-year warranty, you would need your receipt or a proof of purchase from the distributor where the product was purchased for it to be repaired under warranty. If you do not have this we can replace or repair the unit (see repair and shipping charges below). Simply send the unit back with a note explaining the problem to the address below. Include your payment by check for specified charges below or your charge card info. This can be called in or e-mailed if you prefer, and we will repair or replace your product. We will take care of the repair or replacement and UPS back to you within 5 business days or less.

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Address for repairs:

Sonic Alert, Inc.
1050 East Maple Rd.
Troy, MI 48083
1-800-566-3210
www.SonicAlert.com

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